Reform Programme for the Planning System

A major reform programme for the planning system in Northern Ireland, encompassing the structural changes announced under the Review of Public Administration (RPA), is currently being taken forward by Environment Minister Edwin Poots and planning officials.

The comprehensive programme of reform for the planning system was announced in November 2007 and incorporates a range of medium to long-term measures designed to address all the key management elements of the planning system including development plans, policy and development management.

A consultation paper outlining the proposals for reform, entitled 'Reform of the Planning System in Northern Ireland: Your chance to influence change', was subject to public consultation from July to October 2009. The consultation responses which were received can be accessed via the link below along with the independent report from the public events held during the consultation process.

The NI Executive agreed to the final policy proposals for reform of the planning system in February 2010, including the measures necessary to transfer the majority of planning functions to the new District Councils in 2011 under the Review of Public Administration.  This formal agreement means that drafting of the legislation required to give effect to the reforms and to the transfer of the majority of planning functions to local government in May 2011 can be now be taken forward.  The Environment Minister outlined the final planning reform policy proposals to the Assembly on 2nd March 2010. The formal Government response to the consultation exercise, including a summary of the reform measures to be adopted as agreed by the Executive, will be posted here during March 2010.

A number of process improvements, designed to bring about more immediate improvements to the efficiency and effectiveness of the planning system, have also been rolled out.

Should you wish to find out more about the reform programme please email Planning.Reform@doeni.gov.uk

The Review of Public Administration (RPA) represents a fundamental change programme in itself and the transfer of planning functions under RPA is being taken forward by Planning Service as an integral part of the reform programme.

As part of RPA the bulk of planning functions will no longer rest with the Planning Service. Instead these powers will be devolved to district councils which, through their elected representatives, will be responsible and accountable for most planning decisions.  The transfer of most planning functions to new district councils does not just involve the redistribution of functions but includes the creation of a new planning system for Northern Ireland: requiring new roles, responsibilities and relationships for all those involved in the planning process.

The Environment Minister’s announcement in March 2008 indicated that functions would transfer to 11 newly created local government districts by 2011.  Preparation for these changes is ongoing.  

Further information on RPA can be obtained from the following websites: